Brown, Goldstein & Levy attorney Samantha Westrum participated as a volunteer judge for The Carrico Competition, held at the University of Richmond School of Law (UR Law) on October 28. The annual competition gives UR Law School 2L and 3L students the chance to practice their appellate advocacy skills. Participation in the competition often deepens the students’ drive toward litigation. Sam has participated in the competition for the past several years, usually working with UR Law 1Ls in their moot court competition.
As a judge, Sam posed challenging questions to the students during their oral arguments alongside other legal professionals. She also helped to determine competition scores and provided feedback to the students about their advocacy during trial. Sam enjoys volunteering at the annual event to share her experience and help equip the next generation of young lawyers.
Sam prioritizes client relationships and open communication in her legal representation. Listening to clients with compassion and honoring clients’ unique backgrounds and identities help Sam build trust in her advocacy. In doing so, she can let clients’ stories be heard in a way that is authentic to them: finding justice in the journey, not just the result.
Prior to joining BGL, Sam was a Stew Dunn Legal Fellow at the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia. As a Fellow, she litigated cases that defended the rights of incarcerated individuals, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those seeking reproductive care. Her role in these cases included arguing in federal and state court, leading discovery, and negotiating settlements.
Learn more about Sam’s practice here.
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Founded in 1982, Brown, Goldstein & Levy is a law firm based in Baltimore, Maryland, with an office in Washington, DC. The firm is nationally recognized in a wide variety of practice areas, including complex civil and commercial litigation, civil rights, health care, family law, and criminal defense. Above all else, Brown, Goldstein & Levy is a client-centered law firm that brings decades of experience and passionate, effective advocacy to your fight for justice.